Growing up in Athens, you definitely got that Mayberry feel. Kid’s out in the yard playing, neighbor looking out for neighbor. Sunday’s spent with the grandparents involved fried chicken, homemade cakes and playing outdoors with all the cousins. In my case that meant a LOT of cousins, around 30 1st cousins on each side. Flag football, shucking corn, shelling peas, rook, making mimosa pies (and no you DID’T eat them, they were just less messy than making mud pies) all are part of those memories. It was a simpler time. No cell phones (and yes, I know I grew up in the dark ages), computers or video games, we used our imaginations and kept ourselves busy. There was a feeling of security. Most of our neighbors didn’t even feel the need to lock their doors.
Our culture has changed. Many of those changes are wonderful. The stretch the realm of possibility, make life easier and chores are done faster. But something has also been lost. I think back to the stories of old fashion barn raisings when everyone pitched in to help each other and the sense of community everyone felt. You know, of being connected and that everyone working together was the way to survive and thrive. Today, our world has become so fast paced that much of that sense of community has been lost, especially in our area. Many have moved here from other areas and in true Southern Hospitality, we welcome them and are happy for their contribution to North Alabama. But because times have changed and so many are new here, that sense of community can be hard to find. The Grapevine’s mission is to bring that back, connect people across the valley.
Whether you’re a native or new here, we welcome you to our community. If you have anything that would bring a smile to someone’s face, know where to send someone in a time of need whether it’s an accident, illness or disaster, have an area of expertise, an insight on something’s that’s happening in our community, a hobby you want to share with someone or a concern about something going on in our area, please contribute to the Grapevine. Post a blog, reply to a forum, start a group or upload pictures, videos and music. You never know when it will be JUST what someone out there needs to see.
We welcome you to the Huntsville Grapevine and with your help, we look forward to growing our community.
Tags: Community Huntsville Alabama Huntsville Alabama Tennessee Valley Tn Va
